NOVATO,
Calif., April 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On
April 12, 2024, Brayton Purcell, LLP was referenced in news from
an article published by The Hill, which highlights the alarming
issue of silicosis among Latino immigrant workers in California. These workers, many of whom are
involved in manufacturing quartz kitchen countertops, are
contracting this deadly lung disease due to exposure to silica
dust. The fabrication of quartz, a material containing over 90
percent silica, releases fine dust particles that, when inhaled,
lead to the disease.
Workers in artificial stone fab shops are
exposed to silica levels averaging 4.5 times OSHA Permitted
Exposure Limits.
The article states, "According to Brayton Purcell, a law firm with expertise on
the prevention of silicosis, the
current CAL-OSHA and federal
OSHA standard requires wet-cutting methods, exhaust
ventilation and dust masks, half-face canister respirators and
full-face canister respirators when fabricating natural
stone. These standards, however, are based on the low
content of silica particles in natural stone that are sized in
the low micron range, not the high volume of ultrafine or nanosized
silica particles contained in quartz engineered stone. Workers
in engineered stone fabrication shops are exposed to an
average of 227 ug/m3, which is 4.5 times the OSHA Permitted
Exposure Limit for silica; and the required measures do not reduce
silica exposures to being below that level.
The only methods capable of fully preventing silicosis
are air-fed positive pressure respirators or a ban on the
manufacture and sale of engineered stone."
Below is a summary of the article titled, Incurable and
unconscionable: How immigrants are contracting deadly lung disease
making kitchen countertops ;
Silicosis Threat in California:
- Latino immigrant workers in California's quartz countertop manufacturing
are falling ill and dying from silicosis.
- Quartz material, with over 90% silica, releases dangerous dust
when processed.
Inadequate Safety Standards:
- Current CAL-OSHA and federal OSHA standards are insufficient
for quartz stone work.
- Workers face silica levels 4.5 times higher than the permitted
exposure limit.
- Only air-fed respirators or a ban on engineered stone can fully
prevent silicosis.
Industry Risk Statistics:
- Approximately 4,000 workers at risk in the stone fabrication
industry.
- Estimates suggest up to 850 could develop silicosis; 160 could
die from it.
Current Protections and Limitations:
- Emergency measures require better work practices and protective
equipment.
- Effectiveness hinges on California's enforcement of proper respirator
use.
Historical Context and Ongoing Risks:
- Silicosis fatalities are not new; similar cases occurred during
the Great Depression.
- International efforts to eliminate silicosis by 2030 contrast
with ongoing outbreaks.
Worker Vulnerability:
- Non-English speaking, undocumented workers are especially at
risk due to exploitative conditions.
- Threats of immigration action prevent reporting of unsafe work
environments.
Health Impact and Legislative Dilemma:
- Silicosis leads to irreversible lung damage and heightens the
risk of severe diseases.
- California debates stringent
worker protection vs. banning high-silica materials.
- A production ban doesn't help those already suffering from the
disease.
To read the full article published by The Hill, please click
here; Incurable and unconscionable: How immigrants are
contracting deadly lung disease making kitchen countertops
About Brayton Purcell, LLP:
At Brayton Purcell, LLP,
we have a client base in all 50 states, earning our AV
Preeminent-rated* firm a nationwide reputation for
multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements. Asbestos and
artificial stone silica exposure victims and their family members
have high expectations when retaining our firm. We want to do more
than live up to those expectations. We want to exceed them. For
over 40 years, client service has come first. We are a leader in
asbestos trials and litigation born of decades-long national
verdicts, settlements, product and location database essential for
cases, and courteous, professional staffing at all levels of client
services.
Media Contact:
Nolan Lowry
nlowry@braytonlaw.com
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SOURCE Brayton Purcell LLP